Known as the Dust Bowl Balladeer - Woody Guthrie is America's most prolific folk songwriter of the 20th century. Born in 1912, Woody wrote hundreds, if not thousands, of songs that document the history, culture and concerns of 1930's, 40's and 50's America. His songs are highly educational, extremely fun and very sing-alongable. An excellent program for Libraries, Arts Centers, Churches, Schools and other meeting places. Pete Seeger covers some of Spook's songs and the two perform together several times per year. Visit www.spookhandy.com for more info on the artist and other programs and workshops.

TREVOR delights young and old on arrival, stiltwalking in at nearly 9' tall. We'll begin with some really High Fives just to get 'em jumping right from the start. Then gather around, everyone, it's time for The Aerial Delights: an up-in-the-air, 100% participatory extravaganza of tricks and skills featuring Wind Whistlers, Ribbon Dancers, the color-changing Chameleon Stick, and loads of laughter. And when he sits down and takes of his stilts, the audience is always interested in seeing how the stilts are constructed and answering their questions.
The second half is always the games! Either Parachute Play of Active Running Games depending on the crowd and/or your preference. When everyone grabs ahold of the Rainbow Parachute, it's the thrill and excitement of over, under, around, and through! Or we'll just run 'em ragged with a whole flurry of highly active games that everybody wind and everyone has FUN no matter their ability level... even adults!
(Check out Project: Ribbon Dancer for a great add-on craft project, too.)

Celebrate the spirit of star-spangled tricks with Ron Cain's Magic of America Show. Dressed as Uncle Sam, Ron takes audiences on a magical tour of the United States. Volunteers help him with illusions, which illustrate the nation's geographic diversity by focusing on different states. A Syracuse University graduate and former teacher, Ron has more than 16 years of experience performing at schools, libraries, companies and festivals throughout New York. He also has appeared on television’s Pappyland and Saturday Showboat. His magic shows with educational messages include Professor GreenPockets' Performing Bug Show, The Magic of Being Green, Tune In To Magical Idol, Magic of America, Wandering Wizard Show, Magical Museum Show, Case of the Missing Bunny, Captain HurriCain’s Seaside Magic Show, Discover Millennium Magic Show and Holiday Hocus Pocus.

A program of Irish stories, songs,hymns, poetry and customs of a traditional Irish Christmas. In the course of the program, along with telling the stories, singing the songs/hymns and reciting the poetry, I will discuss the customs associated with Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Steve's Day (December 26) and "Little Christmas" (January 6). In addition I will encourage the audience to ask questions and discuss their own favorite Christmas traditions. I accompany myself on the Irish drum ("Bodhran") during the performance.

PUSS IN BOOTS
This classic fairy tale features beautifully crafted hand puppets, a life-sized Ogre and clever scenic design. In an original adaptation, Puss (in boots) rushes headlong into a series of misadventures, only to discover he is happiest being himself! The Spring Valley Puppet Theater production of “Puss in Boots” mixes merriment and message in a new approach to this feline favorite.
This show if followed by a demonstration of some of the puppets, both in schools and public performances.

Hal Roach was certainly a well know producer, but so few realize that this man gave us some of the best comedic acts that Hollywood had to offer. From his humble roots being born to Irish immigrant parents in Elmira NY, to his journey to California to become a successful prospector, Hal Roach himself never envisioned becoming the King of Comedy. But he did, giving us Harold Loyd, Laurel and Hardy, The Little Rascals and so many more. This program focuses on Roach's early career and creative output, and will use 16mm comedy shorts to exemplify Roach's output.

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s, The Secret Garden, is an enchanting story about a young orphan girl, Mary, who comes to live with her uncle in the English countryside. Through her curiosity and determination, Mary finds a garden filled with memories that have been locked for years. Her youth and enthusiasm breathe life into each character she meets, bringing love back into the family.
Our interactive educational tours run year-round and are performed by two professional actors, each playing multiple roles. Our scripts are original adaptations, based directly on literary classics, and include children and adults from the audience. The plays last one hour, with a question and answer session following the performance. We travel to your space and bring our own realistic sets and costumes, designed using extensive historical research, which are flexible enough to fit into any assembly/performance space.

Bob Conrad takes your students on an imaginary voyage to the bottom of the sea aboard the good ship Conrad. Meet Captain Bob's first mate, Fred the talking table, and his deck hand Gomer. Audience members will travel to the great coral reefs in search of the mysterious Angel Fish. A magical voyage of magic, ventriloquism, fish stories, and an ocean of facts.
Bob Conrad is the author/illustrator of Bob Conrad's Deep Sea Adventure, an educational children's book about oceanography and the creatures that live beneath the sea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vYvxST0i3o

Presented by Paul Michael Barkan, Music Technology Professor at the John Lennon Center for Music at Five Towns College, this lecture will explore the trailblazing use of the symphony orchestra and the recording studio in the music of the Beatles. This not-to-be-missed multi-media presentation promises to be lively, entertaining and full of video clips of the Beatles' songs and musical examples!

* Inclusion in this database does not indicate endorsement of any performer
or program by the NYS Education Department, the Office of Cultural Education, the NYS Library or the participating
library systems, nor does it eliminate the need for reference checks and appropriate standard screening procedures.